Industrial Noise

Monitoring and regulating sound in factories and on work sites

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Impact
  • Reduce hearing loss and stress caused by noise at work
  • Improve efficiency 
  • Help industries meet noise regulations
  • Influence industrial facility design and retrofitting
  • Reduce noise pollution in surrounding community
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Measure and analyze noise in workplaces 
  • Develop creative solution for noise reduction
  • Understand materials and structures that absorb or block sound
  • Ensure compliance with noise regulations
  • Collaborate with engineers, architects, and health and safety professionals
  • Prepare environmental noise studies
  • Prepare reports for managers and stakeholders
  • Consult during building or retrofitting
  • Clinical trials
SKILLS DEVELOPED
  • Noise measurement techniques
  • Acoustic and vibration analysis
  • Problem solving 
  • Predictive calculations
  • Sound modeling software
  • Noise control solution design
  • Report writing
  • Presenting recommendations
WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Fieldwork options:
    • Manufacturing plants
    • Construction sites
    • Transportation sites
    • Power plants
  • Office work
  • Collaborative/Multi-disciplinary
  • Explaining technical solutions
OCCUPATIONS
  • Production engineer
  • Plant noise control engineer
  • Occupational hygienist
  • Environmental assessor
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
  • Work in noise control engineering
  • Engineering and consulting firms
  • Industrial plants
  • Industrial equipment manufacturers
  • Government and research institutions
COLLEGE PATHWAYS
  • Select a major that will provide a strong background: mechanical engineering, physics, acoustics, occupational health and safety
  • Find an internship to fain hands-on experience with noise measurement, mitigation, or regulatory compliance
    • Industrial facilty
    • Engineering firm
    • Environmental agency
    • acoustical research lab
EXPLORE
  • Focus on key subjects: physics, communications, computer science, math, engineering
  • Use apps on your phone to measure sound levels around you
  • Start learning about acoustics and noise cancellation
  • Explore sound modeling software
  • Learn about the OSHA and EPA  guidelines for noise
  • Consider a course to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist or certified Safety Professional

Learn more

See also:

Building Acoustics, Noise monitoring, Rocket and Aviation Noise

 

Professional Societies:
Links
Sound modeling software (e.g., CadnaA, SoundPLAN)
Companies:
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